East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves has been elected Chair of One Gippsland – a peak regional advocacy body representing Gippsland.

One Gippsland works closely with all levels of government and across the community to ensure the region is a great place to live and work and can fulfill its potential.

“One Gippsland is a partnership of leaders from the six Gippsland local government areas, industry and education who work collaboratively to secure funding and policy results,” Cr Reeves said

At approximately 41,000km2, Gippsland is the largest region in Victoria. It is home to over 270,000 people, six local government areas and produces $14 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP) annually.

“I will be advocating that Gippsland requires strategic investment in connectivity, education, health and tourism to fuel our post-COVID recovery and capitalise on our strengths as a regional economic powerhouse,” Cr Reeves said.

“When the region is prospering, East Gippsland businesses and our local economy can flourish.”

Cr Reeves said Council’s own advocacy priorities aligned to the broader Gippsland initiatives.

“East Gippsland is a crucial part of Gippsland; we represent half the geographic area. By supporting transport and community infrastructure, industry, tourism and looking after our environment in East Gippsland, the wider region benefits,” he said.

“We will welcome opportunities for the State and Commonwealth governments and private sector to invest in Gippsland to support economic prosperity, social capital and access to services.”

Cr Reeves thanked outgoing chair Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Mayor of Latrobe City Council, for her hard work and dedication to the region during a busy double election year.

East Gippsland Shire Council also represented at the One Gippsland table by Chief Executive Officer Anthony Basford.